In a significant move to bolster agricultural cooperation, Taiwan and Somaliland have signed an Agricultural Implementing Arrangement for the period 2026–2030. The agreement, which was signed by Taiwan’s Ambassador to Somaliland, Allen Lou, and Somaliland’s Agriculture Minister Mohamoud Ige Yusuf, marks a critical step forward in strengthening bilateral ties and advancing agricultural initiatives in the region. The new agreement builds on existing partnerships and significantly expands the scope of agricultural development projects, with increased financial support. It aligns closely with Somaliland’s Vision 2030, National Development Plan III, and National Seed Development Policy, while also contributing to the United Nations Sustainable…
Author: Newsdesk
Virtual fencing is emerging as an innovative response to the growing challenges of livestock management in expansive ranching systems across Africa and beyond, as agricultural researchers increasingly examine digital tools for sustainable grazing. The rapid expansion of ranching practices has intensified pressure on land resources, making traditional fencing less practical and significantly costlier for large, remote, or rugged grazing areas. Environmental degradation linked to unmanaged grazing, including soil erosion and declining biodiversity, has reinforced calls for more dynamic approaches that align livestock movement with ecological sustainability. Climate variability, particularly unpredictable rainfall patterns and fluctuating vegetation growth, further complicates grazing management…
Biodegradable film mulching, also known as biofilm, is emerging as a promising tool to make rice production more climate-resilient by sharply reducing water use and greenhouse gas emissions without sacrificing yield, according to a latest report published by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Rice agriculture traditionally relies on continuous flooding, a practice that consumes vast quantities of freshwater and creates anaerobic soil conditions that promote methane emissions — a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. With climate change tightening water supplies and intensifying environmental concerns, scientists and farmers are exploring sustainable alternatives that maintain productivity while lowering environmental footprints.…
The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the Kwara State Association of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, has inaugurated an ultra-modern cassava processing factory in Osin-Pakate, Ilorin East Local Government Area of the state. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Afees Abolore-Alabi, said the cooperative-led initiative aligns with the state’s agricultural development priorities. He described the project as a significant milestone in strengthening cassava value addition and agro-processing in Kwara. Abolore-Alabi noted that the initiative demonstrates how farmer organizations, supported by appropriate policies and strategic partnerships, can drive sustainable agribusiness growth.…
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustaining development across key sectors, including roads, health, education, transport, power and security. Otti stated this on Tuesday night during a monthly media parley with journalists at the Government House in Umuahia. He thanked residents for their cooperation during ongoing infrastructure projects across the state and urged them to remain patient as road construction and asphalt laying continue in various communities. On waste management, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for environmental filth, stressing that cleanliness was essential to public health. He urged residents to take responsibility…
Dr Fatima Aliyu, National Programme Coordinator (NPC) of the IFAD-assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), has called for greater unity among Nigerians, saying the country’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than division. Aliyu made the call on Tuesday after she was conferred with the chieftaincy title of “Nne na-edozi obodo” (Champion of Community Development) by the Amike Autonomous Community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. She urged Nigerians to be their brothers’ keepers, irrespective of their region or background. “I feel highly honoured by this title and I promise to do more for the community,…
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Tuesday presented a proposed budget of N1.75 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year to the Senate, even as the upper chamber announced plans to physically verify projects executed by the commission between 2021 and 2024. The budget proposal was presented to the Senate Committee on NDDC during a session at the National Assembly, chaired by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong. Speaking at the meeting, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Mr Samuel Ogbuku, explained that the proposed 2025 budget represents a 9 per cent reduction from the N1.985 trillion proposed and…
Katsina State Government has signed an MoU with Kano-based Al-Hikma Fertiliser and Chemicals Ltd. to establish a N2 billion agro-allied processing plant. The project will be located in Batagarawa and Rimi Local Government Areas of the state. The MoU was signed on Tuesday in Katsina by Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur-Jikamshi, Director-General, Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency and the company’s Managing Director, Alhaji Bashir Ahmad. Speaking after the signing, Tukur-Jikamshi said the government allocated 150 hectares at Tashar-Bala and Rimin-Kaura for the project. He recalled the inauguration of a technical committee on the Framework for Responsible Inclusive Land Intensive Agricultural Investment (FRILLIA).…
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed the Sunseed Oil facility in Zaria, Kaduna State, over excessive air emissions. A statement issued on Tuesday by Mrs Nwamaka Ejiofor, Assistant Director of Press at NESREA, said the enforcement followed reports of persistent air pollution from the facility, in clear violation of the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations. Ejiofor explained that the regulations require industries to install pollution abatement equipment and adopt cleaner production processes to minimise environmental harm. She noted that the severity of the emissions posed an immediate threat to the surrounding ecosystem and the…
The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed explosion at the Bagudo General Hospital on earlier hour of Tuesday saying that no casualty recorded. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)of the command, SP Bashir Usman confirmed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi. According to him, “the Kebbi State Police Command assures all residents of its full control over the security situation following a loud explosion at the General Hospital, Bagudo, in the early hours of Tuesday, 30th December 2025. “A joint security team of Police, Military, and Vigilante personnel has swiftly cordoned off and secured the affected…